Sushma Gurram

Apprentice Dancer

A software professional based in Dallas, TX, is currently on a career break to care for her two-year-old son. Her journey with Kuchipudi began in 2012 while she was pursuing her bachelor’s degree in India. After about a year, she left for the U.S. to complete a master’s in computer engineering, and her busy academic life put her Kuchipudi training on hold.
It wasn’t until 2020, amid the global pandemic, that she felt a pull to reconnect with the dance form. Newly married and navigating a challenging period both emotionally and professionally, she found herself experiencing burnout and emotional exhaustion. She explored various wellness practices, including meditation through Art of Living and Inner Engineering, but it was Carnatic music and Kuchipudi dance that brought her the peace and rejuvenation she sought. Discovering Yamini’s classes on YouTube, she began training with her—and hasn’t looked back since. Her practice has become a source of calm and fulfillment.
Her experience with Kritya Foundation has been transformative, introducing her to the importance of posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, and agility—all of which were aspects missing in her previous training. She credits her pain-free progress to the detailed, holistic approach Kritya emphasizes.
Looking forward, she intends to dedicate her life to Kuchipudi, aiming to continue performing and one day sharing the art through teaching. The positive impact of this practice drives her commitment to contribute meaningfully to the Kuchipudi tradition.